With a steadfast dedication to social transformation, Manna Dabholkar has devoted her life to championing the rights of the underprivileged and ensuring that the unheard find a voice.
Manna’s deep-rooted passion for social justice stems from her childhood. Growing up with a father who served as a public servant, she witnessed firsthand how compassion and assistance could drive meaningful change. His relentless commitment to helping impoverished and homeless children in some of the most dangerous slums in India profoundly shaped her outlook. This exposure instilled in her an unyielding determination to challenge injustices and stand up for those in need.
As an activist, humanitarian, visionary leader, and social entrepreneur, Manna has leveraged her expertise to uplift communities, challenge structural inequalities, and uphold human dignity. In her capacity as CEO of GIFT Global Initiative, she has led programs tackling key issues such as poverty, education, gender equality, and healthcare accessibility.
In this conversation, we have the privilege of exploring Manna Dabholkar’s remarkable journey, her insights on human rights, and the transformative work she spearheads at GIFT Global. Join us as we dive into the life and vision of this pioneering advocate.
Manna Dabholkar – Exeleon Magazine
As an activist, humanitarian, conscious leader, and social entrepreneur, what does giving back mean to you? Why do you believe people should contribute more?
To me, giving back means empowerment—helping others improve their lives, support their families, and contribute positively to society. The philosophy of “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” perfectly encapsulates my approach.
As a former therapist and life coach, I believe the debate on whether altruism is ingrained in human nature or shaped by cultural and religious influences can be informed by neuroscience. Contemporary social neuroscience suggests that altruistic behavior activates specific patterns in the brain. Studies have shown that when individuals donate—whether financially or through volunteer work—the mesolimbic system, responsible for feelings of reward, is stimulated. This triggers the release of feel-good chemicals, creating what psychologists refer to as a “helper’s high.”
Dr. David Hawkins, through extensive research involving 267,000 experiments, introduced a Scale of Consciousness in his book Power vs. Force. He categorized human consciousness along a scale of 1 to 1,000, where lower levels represent emotions such as anger, sadness, and pessimism, while higher levels encompass love, gratitude, and optimism. Crucially, at level 200, the brain undergoes physiological changes that reflect a shift toward a more altruistic and outward-focused state of mind.
Reaching the higher levels of this consciousness scale is closely linked to happiness and fulfillment. When people operate from a state of joy and purpose, they naturally attract abundance. Materialism often stems from deep-seated insecurities and is associated with lower life satisfaction. Those who transcend materialistic pursuits recognize a fundamental truth: the human brain is wired to give, support, and empower. By uplifting others, we elevate our own lives, unlocking boundless opportunities.
Can you share insights about your upbringing? How did being raised by a public servant dedicated to social change shape your values and perspective?
My journey—my decision to dedicate my life to public service—was set in motion long before I immigrated to the United States 12 years ago. Raised by parents deeply committed to serving others, my father was a lawmaker advocating for the most underprivileged communities in India, while my mother supported his relentless pursuit of a better world.
While other children spent their time playing, my siblings and I were by my father’s side at election rallies, walking through some of India’s most destitute slums. Despite the lack of basic necessities—food, clean water, electricity—these communities welcomed us warmly. My father would sit on the ground, sharing meals with families in distress, embracing children who bore the marks of extreme poverty. As a child, I struggled to understand his disregard for the unhygienic surroundings. Years later, I found myself in similar circumstances, standing in a cramped brothel amid a heavy downpour, rescuing children from traffickers.
My life has come full circle, and today, I find myself following in my father’s footsteps, passionately committed to advocating for the vulnerable and sharing their stories of perseverance and triumph.
GIFT Global Initiative prioritizes Prevention and Empowerment. Can you elaborate on the significance of these two principles?
GIFT Global Initiative is a diplomatic foundation that leverages Social Impact Entertainment to support children and families in impoverished regions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Over 15 years of working in some of the most disadvantaged, violence-stricken areas, I noticed a critical gap: the lack of preventive measures. This realization fueled my mission to educate governments, businesses, and individuals on sustainable, mindful philanthropy—offering a “hand up,” not just a handout.
GIFT was established to safeguard families and prevent conditions that lead to exploitation. We focus on proactive humanitarian aid rather than waiting for crises to unfold. While transitional aid like food, blankets, and medical care is essential, it is only a temporary solution. Our mission is to empower families to sustain themselves independently, strengthening their financial stability so they are no longer reliant on external support.
Our approach involves:
- Identifying areas in need of intervention
- Implementing preventive initiatives such as Education for All, Sports for Solar, Renewable Energy, Clean Water Projects, Medical Funds, Mobile Clinics, and Pop-Up Schools
What has your journey been like? If you could start over, what would you do differently?
The best way to combat hopelessness is through action—a lesson I learned from my father, who tirelessly fought for marginalized communities. The road has been challenging, filled with both victories and obstacles.
Running a non-profit is akin to managing a for-profit enterprise, with the added emotional toll of humanitarian work. The sheer scale of need can be overwhelming, making it essential to maintain clear goals and boundaries. A focused vision prevents one from getting lost in the enormity of the task at hand.
We work with families who go days without food, drink from contaminated water sources, and live without basic utilities. We support children abandoned due to illness or those at risk of being trafficked at an unimaginable young age. Our driving force is the knowledge that our work is not about temporary relief—it’s about fostering long-term, sustainable change.
Why do you think more businesses are investing in social impact initiatives?
Human beings are inherently wired to give, support, and uplift. This principle extends beyond individuals to corporations. Studies indicate that companies engaged in social initiatives are more profitable. According to Accenture, businesses with a strong social impact outperform those solely focused on financial gain. Consumer behavior supports this shift, with 73% of Millennials willing to pay more for sustainable products and 87% of Americans preferring brands that champion meaningful causes.
Companies like Tom’s Shoes have demonstrated how integrating social responsibility can lead to financial success. Aligning business with purpose not only benefits society but also enhances brand value and customer loyalty.
What’s next for GIFT Global? What initiatives are you most excited about?
GIFT is expanding the Sports for Solar Energy Initiative, providing portable solar lights to families in Africa, Asia, Mexico, and the U.S. By replacing kerosene and biomass fuels with solar energy, we aim to cut household expenses and reduce carbon emissions.
In addition, we are organizing soccer tournaments in underserved regions, where instead of trophies, children receive solar lanterns—bringing light to their homes. Through corporate partnerships, we hope to scale these efforts and bring sustainable solutions to communities in need.
